🛑 Delhi Airport Scams: What Every Traveler Needs to Know Before Arrival

Arriving at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in New Delhi? While the airport itself is modern and efficient, the real risks begin once you step outside. Here's your essential guide to avoid scams and travel smart.

⚠️ Common Scams at Delhi Airport (Especially T3 – International Terminal)

1. Fake Taxi Drivers & Overpriced Cabs

• Unlicensed drivers will approach you pretending to be “official taxi” or “hotel staff.”

• They often overcharge or take you to the wrong hotel/tourist office.

✅ What to do:
Use official prepaid taxi booths inside the terminal or app-based cabs like Uber, Ola. NEVER accept rides from anyone inside or just outside the terminal offering “good deal taxis.”

2. “Your Hotel Is Closed or Moved” Scam

• A driver or tout may claim: “Sir, your hotel is closed/unsafe. I’ll take you to another one.”

• They divert you to fake hotels or commissioned places charging triple rates.

✅ What to do:
Always call your hotel directly to confirm. Pre-arrange pickup with the hotel if possible.

3. Fake Tourist Information Counters

• Outside the airport (especially near taxi stands), you'll find “Govt. Tourist Helpdesks”—which are NOT official.

• They sell overpriced packages, false tour bookings, or manipulate travelers into fake deals.

✅ What to do:
Only trust in-terminal info desks marked by the Ministry of Tourism or use official apps/websites like Incredible India or IRCTC.

4. Currency Exchange Frauds

• Unauthorized kiosks or “agents” may offer better rates but short-change you.

• They may also hand you counterfeit or expired notes.

✅ What to do:
Exchange small amounts at airport-authorized counters or use ATMs inside the terminal. Always count your money before leaving the window.

5. Sim Card Scams

• Fake vendors offer “Tourist SIM cards” with high upfront fees and fake activation.

• Some will sell expired SIMs or clone your passport data.

✅ What to do:
Buy SIM cards only from official Airtel, Jio, or Vi counters inside the terminal with verified KYC.

🧳 Smart Tips Before Landing in Delhi:

• 📲 Download Uber/Ola before your trip and set up international payment.

• 🏨 Book hotels in advance and request airport pickup.

• 💵 Keep small INR denominations for immediate use.

• 📞 Have emergency contacts & hotel numbers saved offline.

• 🚫 Don’t trust “helpful strangers” outside the airport—even if they look official.

✅ Safe Options at Delhi Airport:

• Prepaid Taxi Booths (inside arrivals)

• Delhi Metro Airport Express (direct from T3 to New Delhi Station)

• Official hotel pickup or verified companies like India Taxi Online, Savaari, or MakeMyTrip Cars